Maintaining Kidney Function With Preventive Measures
By Brandi Goodman
National Kidney Month allows people to become familiar with methods and measures possible for maintaining kidney function. The kidneys are vital organs in the body needed to process the blood and eliminate waste. Without them functioning correctly, this process cannot be completed as necessary. With a few preventive measures in mind, you can maintain optimal kidney function and keep your organs working efficiently.
Limit Your Salt Intake
Salt adds too much sodium to the blood. The kidneys have a difficult time filtering it out. This leads to high blood pressure and damage to your heart. Limiting your salt intake is one way you can avoid this problem. Skip adding additional salt to meals and use other spices instead that do not cause as much harm. Look at nutrition labels and stick to foods that are low in sodium.
Exercise 30 Minutes Per Day
Exercising for 30 minutes per day is the typical recommendation you'll see from healthcare professionals. This holds true when you're trying to maintain your kidney health. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure, keep cholesterol levels in check, improve the functioning of the heart, and maintain weight. This can all aid in the way the kidneys function. Get exercise into your day any way you can to meet your requirements.
Do Not Smoke or Drink
Smoking and drinking can both raise blood pressure. They each also cause damage to the kidneys over time. It is best to avoid smoking or drinking if you want to maintain proper kidney function. You greatly increase your risk of developing kidney disease and other health problems if you do either of these activities.
Drink More Water
Water is needed to help your kidneys flush out toxins from the system. If you're not drinking enough, your kidneys are having to work harder to do their job. Water is essential for all functions of the body. Drink more of it to keep your body healthy and well. Eight cups of water with 8 ounces in them each time is the typical recommendation. You may need to drink more if you're at a heavier weight. Your body will need to work even harder to filter out your system.
Retain optimal functioning of your kidneys and prevent disease by following these preventive measures. Though it is still possible to develop kidney disease if you continue to smoke or exhibit other bad habits, these measures provide the best chance at keeping your organs working as well as possible for as long as possible.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Avon, Ind.
